Best way for a novice to learn Sonar

There many vidoes in this site, just look up, and there are tutorials on the sonar disk or in the help files in sonar

My recommendations (assuming you use SONAR Studio or Producer):

1. If you don't like reading, do the tutorials. They are maybe the fastest way to get something done with "scratch-the-surface"-knowledge.

2. And anyway, read the manual. It's a 1500 page pdf-file, and you surely don't need all the info, but it gives you a picture of what can be done and what not (you say you've "put the manual down" after reading a short while, which makes me think it's only the printed quick start guide you've been reading).
You could do it by clicking every single button and dropdown list in your Sonar, and check one by one in the manual what it's there for.
That way you don't feel like "just reading".

3. If you feel like it, seek elsewhere for additional info regarding, say, MIDI or such. For example at tweakheadz.com you can find well written guides about whatever concerning home recording.

Be patient. It does take a year or two minimum to really get it. You see here at the forum regularily posts by experienced users who have
discovered features they didn't know. Sonar is not a recorder, it's a full blown studio, so there's no shortcut, but the basic functions are not that hard to learn.

Yes I agree, reading and reading and reading can be tiresome. A little bit each day is all some of us can absorb.
I recommend hands on. Dive in there and when you get stumped go to the help menu and use the search tool. You will be amazed at how easy that is. When that does not work post your questions here. That's what the forum is all about. And don't be embarrassed if the question seems simple to you , we've all had to start somewhere and it is a very steep hill in the beginning.

just dive in, use the tutorials, watch the videos here... best way to learn is to get your feet wet.

yes, "stupid book" is a tad rude methinks...

For the op, find a midi track of a song you really like, import into Sonar and make your own re-mix, referring the help file every time you get stuck. Some things take time to learn.

The letter 'T' changed everything for me.  When I started I freaked out why I could not click on the wave files to edit them... I would lose patience and close the software.  When I opened it back I could edit again... These were hard times!

One good way to complement the videos is to print the keyboards shortcut page.  It shows a lot in there.

Good luck, it's worth it!

Thank you all, I'm getting proficient enough to get stuff done now.  It's quite a nice upgrade over PowerTracks, and I'm still new at it, but as I say I'm getting good enough for my current needs.  Thanks again

Fog


Noel depends what version you use.. and depends on you yourself. some people don't mind reading.. others prefer video etc..

have you looked at the cakewalk youtube channel?

also scott's "power" book is good , written in an easy to understand way.

Who is "Scott", and what "book"??

Ignore all of the advice above !!! (JUST KIDDING)

But ... if you really want to learn how to use the tool

#1 Get a Client - Not your self - to record
#2 Get a Deadline - three weeks
#3 Record a six to nine song album

You'll learn Sonar

If you don't believe me - you'll never learn the tool

-D

+1 Paul.

When I first ventured into Sonar world, I didn't even load it up until I'd read Scott's book from cover to cover (mostly done while on holiday).

After that it was plain sailing.

YMMV.

drumr


Have look at the Groove 3 videos on there web site. They are free for 30 days.
http://www.groove3.com/str/mt30.html

+1
 
I found the Sonar 8.5 videos really well done and helpful. I got in on the 30-day free trial but am considering an actual purchase for future reference. I am sure everything taught on these videos can be learned by reading manuals/books and experimenting, but these videos sure make it easier. They opened my eyes to a lot that Sonar offers.